Homemade Jamz to film TV episode at Blue Canoe

TUPELO – Tupelo’s own Homemade Jamz Blues Band has advanced to the next level of Cozi TV’s “Next Great Family Band.”

Cozi TV isn’t available in Mississippi, but local fans can help the band continue its success on the show today at the Blue Canoe.

Homemade Jamz, made up of Ryan, Taya and Kyle Perry, will film a new song, “Mississippi Hill Country,” at 6 p.m. at Blue Canoe. The trio will have to film several takes of the song, which should last 30 to 45 minutes, and to thank the audience for participating, the band will perform an hour-long set.

“Initially it was 15 family bands playing two-minute songs each for three judges, who narrowed it down to the top six,” said the band’s lead singer and guitarist, Ryan Perry. “We were picked by one of the judges, Kimberly Locke, to be in the top six.”

Locke, who was a contestant in the second season of “American Idol,” is mentoring the band. If Homemade Jamz is chosen to move into the top 3, they could be flown out to California to film the show.

But for now, they need plenty of fans in Northeast Mississippi to show their support today at the Blue Canoe.

“We chose a crowd favorite, ‘Mississippi Hill Country,’ and it’s got a call and response toward the end. We want everybody to sing along, so it’ll show everybody in TV land the hype and they’ll want us to be in the finals,” Perry said.

“Mississippi Hill Country” is also the title track of the band’s new album, which will be released May 15.

sheena.barnett@journalinc.com

To Comment

“NEXT GREAT FAMILY BAND” airs on Cozi TV, which isn’t available in Mississippi, but fans can leave comments on the show’s website,